Free The Vanishing Stone by Keisha Biddle Page B

and Raphael pointed his knife at him. “It will serve you well not to make another move! I work for the Princess and I can have you tied to the post for this!”
                     The man looked frightened at the thought of himself being tied to whatever post Raphael was talking about. He decided to turn and run.
       “That was weird," Nikoleta said, after a moment . “Yes it was, silly ruffian," he turned toward Nikoleta. “Are you alright, Nikki?” He leaned in and hugged her. “Yes, I'm fine. I promise.”
                     “We should get back then," Raphael suggested.
                    “Yes, before anyone else comes along," Nikoleta laughed.
      They walked back toward the village holding hands. As weird as the ruffian incident was to Nikoleta, the rest of the night was flawless.

 
     
     
     
     
    10
     
     
     
     
     
     
    N ikoleta quickly climbed to the top bunk and fell asleep rather quickly. Raphael went to his room.
                    The next morning, Raphael made everyone breakfast before he had to leave for his castle duties. At the table, Nikoleta and Raphael kept eyeing each other. What an odd feeling to feel so many butterflies for someone I barely even know. Love has to start somewhere I guess , Nikoleta thought to herself while eating her warm, spicy sausage.
                    “So, does everyone understand our plan for tonight?” Raphael asked looking at everyone. They nodded. “OK, Nikoleta,” Raphael laid out his map on the table, “You're going through the tunnel behind the waterfall, the ladder leads up to the dungeon,” Raphael reiterated. “I have a key for you. It's for your parents, if they are indeed locked in chains. I will give you this tonight.”
                    “What will the rest of us do?” asked Day.
                    “You three will keep watch. I, myself, will meet you there. I have duties until tonight. Go to the waterfall around nine."
                    The others nodded. “Just make sure Nikoleta doesn’t get caught. We can’t be too careful.”
                    “Right," Bosh replied. Nikoleta thought Bosh seemed annoyed.
                     “What can we do until tonight?” He asked Raphael.
                     “You can stay here, if you like. Rest up,” Raphael answered.
                     Shortly after this, Raphael was getting ready to head off to the castle. Before walking out the door he said goodbye to the others and said goodbye to Nikoleta by kissing her on the cheek. “I'll see you tonight,” he said to her. He caressed her face and turned toward the door.
                     After he left, Nikoleta was grinning from ear to ear. Turning around she saw the others staring at her. “What's going on with you and Raphael? You two were so googly-eyed at breakfast!” Kibbie laughed.
                     “Nothing's up with us. What's it matter, anyway?” Nikoleta smiled back.
       Nikoleta was worried about telling them anything about her and Raphael, but she didn't have to. Plus , she was a little annoyed that they were questioning her like a child.
                     “Oh, there's clearly something," Day said. “C'mon, Nikki, tell us! I know you two went somewhere last night!”
                    Nikoleta blushed, “I thought you were sleeping!”
                  “Nikoleta, are you in love?” Day asked. Nikoleta was shocked at the question. In love? No way, it was preposterous. She only knew him a day. You can’t fall in love that fast. Can you?
                     “In love, don’t be silly, Day!”
    “You two stop messing with her. She is old enough to make her own decisions. If she likes him, let it be.”
                     Bosh seemed upset that Nikoleta was interested in